NAWG opposes farm bill amendments on crop insurance

WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S. — The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) said in a letter to lawmakers that it doesn’t support any amendments to the farm bill that would undermine crop insurance.

“NAWG continues to push back against any amendments that would undermine the current structure of the crop insurance program as well as other amendments that would hurt farmers,” said Jimmie Musick, president of NAWG and a farmer from Sentinel, Oklahoma, U.S. “Proposing significant restrictions on crop insurance ignores the needs of rural America and impact jobs on and off the farm.”

In its letter, NAWG notes two amendments that are harmful to the farm bill’s crop insurance program. Amendment #3103, introduced by Senators Dick Durbin and Chuck Grassley, and others, which would establish means testing for participation in the program.

“By making crop insurance less accessible, these amendments would change the risk pool, consequently making crop insurance premiums more expensive for producer operations of all sizes,” Musick said.

NAWG also mentions a few amendments that it encourages Senators to support. NAWG is in favor of the Risch/Crapo Amendment (#3088), which would establish a 10% indirect cost cap on the U.S. Wheat and Barley Scab Initiative.

“It’s essential to invest in research programs which could lead to innovative technologies to help growers combat pests, disease, and even drought,” Musick said.